Flow Line Connected In Series With Distinct Separator Patents (Class 210/181)
  • Patent number: 5061458
    Abstract: A decontamination converter apparatus installed at an outdoor site where organic compounds have been stored and where such compounds have entered the ground as contaminants and endanger the groundwater comprising an inlet conduit constructed to receive an air stream, produced at the site, that carries organic contaminants; preheating means comprising (a) a heat exchanger and (b) an externally powered heater, said preheating means arranged to preheat said site-produced air stream carrying said contaminants; and oxidizing catalytic converter having a predetermined minimum operating temperature for efficient operation and arranged to receive the said air stream from said preheater means and constructed to oxidize said organic contaminants to produce a decontaminated effluent air stream substantially free of said organic contaminants; and ducting directing the thus decontaminated, hot effluent air stream from said catalytic converter through said heat exchanger and thence to the atmosphere; said heat exchanger be
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Groundwater Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Miller
  • Patent number: 5057231
    Abstract: A method for starting up and controlling the temperature of a wet oxidation process in which a heat exchanger employing superheated steam is used to initially heat a waste stream introduced into a wet oxidation reaction vessel for start up and then to subsequently adjust the temperature of the waste stream, after it is preheated by the effluent from the reaction vessel, to a level suitable to maintain steady state operation of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Zimpro Passavant Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene W. Mueller, Bruce L. Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 5006239
    Abstract: A novel apparatus removes hydrophobic oil from solid particulates in oily sludge waste such as waste material from oil refineries, drilling fluids or muds brines, and other chemical wastes which have solid particulates contaminated with oil. The process involves separation of different components of the sludge on the basis of their size, density and physio-chemical differences. Coarse particulates are removed with the use of screening systems such as sieve bends or vibro-sieves. Oil is removed from these coarse particulates with water rinsing. Oil is removed from fine particles by gravity separation, which separates the sludge into high and low density fractions. Froth flotation is used to remove hydrophilic materials from the high density fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Tetra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Surendra K. Mishra
  • Patent number: 4994332
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a closed-loop filter system for continuously removing a metal hydroxide precipitate from an alkali metal hydroxide solution. The filter system comprises a filter having a filter surface and a plurality of small diameter openings in said surface. The alkali metal hydroxide solution is impacted onto said filter surface, metal hydroxide precipitate agglomerating on said surface. The filter surface openings have an average diameter effective for said agglomerating. Means are provided to remove the agglomerated precipitate from said filter surface, and to separate the agglomerated precipitate from the alkali metal hydroxide solution, the agglomerated precipitate having a particle weight to surface area ratio effective for said separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Carl W. Brown, Jr., Jay M. Noscal
  • Patent number: 4976852
    Abstract: A fuel filter assembly employs a base which mounts a disposable filter element cartridge and includes a sump for collecting water removed from the filtering unit. The cartridge includes a dual stage filter system wherein fuel flows axially to an upper filter element for removing particulate matter and coalescing water droplets and axially to a secondary filter stage which functions as a water barrier. The filtered fule flows axially downwardly and through an outlet passage from the base. The water collected in the sump is removed through a drain cock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: Leon P. Janik, M. Craig Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4966654
    Abstract: The invention is a system for removing volitile hydrocarbon contaminates from both water and moisture-ladened air. In detail the invention comprises a stripping system preferably a steam stripping system, for mixing the contaminated water with steam, at below atmospheric pressure, providing clean water for reuse and contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates. A first condenser receives the contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates and condenses, at below atmospheric pressure, a portion of the vaporized contaminates and a portion of the contaminated steam into contaminate water. A second condenser thereafter further condenses the steam and hydrocarbon vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: AWD Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrance K. Carberry
  • Patent number: 4957624
    Abstract: Contaminated water is purified by introduction into a filter, filtering the water, accumulating the partially purified water delivered from the filter, heating the collected water to a temperature near its boiling point, reintroducing the collected water into the same filter, and continuously repeating the filtering, accumulation and heating steps with attendent further purification, until the degree of contamination of such water has dropped below a predetermined level. A predetermined portion of the purified water may be distilled subsequent to the completion of the purification operation, and the distilled water is collected for eventual consumption. An arrangement for performing the above method includes a vessel (9) have a filter (7) arranged at its upper region (20) (9a), and a lid (3) removably supported on the vessel and may include a jet deflector (100) for providing more uniform flow of slugs and water vapor to the filter inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Purewater Sciences International, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Peranio
  • Patent number: 4910369
    Abstract: A conditioning system for water based can sealing compounds comprising a downstream pressure regulator adjacent a double diaphragm pump, a filter and a heater wherein the exit of the heater is connected to a lining nozzle, and exit line from the nozzle connected to an upstream pressure regulator and a return line meeting the supply line between the downstream pressure regulator and the pump. Additionally, one or more dampeners may be added to the system as well as various pressure gauges and other sensors. The system without dampeners controls film weights to within .+-.5% of the desired amount. The use of one or more dampeners improves film weight control to within .+-.3% of the desired amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Rich
  • Patent number: 4898668
    Abstract: A fuel conditioner of the type having a housing defining an inner chamber for receiving a filter element, inlet and outlet ports in the housing for establishing a flow of fuel to and from the chamber, and a heater for raising the temperature of the fuel between the inlet and outlet ports. The improvement comprises a baffle plate situated within the housing between the inlet and outlet ports, for directing substantially all the flow of fuel as a thin layer against a selected interior portion of the housing. The heater is situated on the housing exterior adjacent the interior portion of the housing containing the baffle. The fuel passing through the thin passageway therein reaches its highest velocity in the conditioning unit. Particularly if the flow boundary area defined by the housing and the baffle plate is large compared with the volume of the passageway, very high heat transfer from the heating element to the fuel in the passageway is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Stanadyne Automotive Corp.
    Inventors: David H. Hodgkins, Alex Shinkevich
  • Patent number: 4894164
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating blood in an extracorporeal circuit for hemodialysis of hemofiltration and a method for withdrawing heat from blood in an extracorporeal circuit wherein blood is brought into contact along a membrane with a treatment solution which has been heated to a temperature in a source making the treatment of fluid available such that the energy balance of the patient is maintained, the temperature of the source being controlled in that the temperature of the blood emerging from the patient is measured, the temperature value obtained is compared with a predetermined temperature value and on determination of a difference between the two values the source temperature is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 4894163
    Abstract: The invention provides an industrially advantageous method of separating liquid mixtures which can reduce the liquid film temperature drop in module units. As a result, the separation system can be rendered compact, the treatment capacity can be increased and the cost can be reduced. Thus, the method of the invention is effective in curtailment of separation and purification processes in the chemical industry and in putting high-efficiency membrane separation techniques to practice use. Its industrial utility is very great.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Watanabe, Yoshio Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 4892664
    Abstract: A method and system for decontaminating water, e.g., groundwater or process effluent, which is contaminated by small concentrations, e.g., in the range of 0.01 to 100 ppm, of dissolved volatile organic compounds (VOCs) includes introducing a flow of the water to an air stripping stage in which the water is directed through a packed column and air is directed through the column to air-strip organic molecules from the contaminated water; releasing the thus decontaminated water substantially free of the compounds to the environment; pretreating the organic compounds-carrying air in the substantial absence of water particles by a preheater; passing the heated air through a catalytic stage that oxidizes the organic compounds, and releasing the gaseous effluent from the catalytic stage to the atmosphere substantially free of organic contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Groundwater Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul C. Miller
  • Patent number: 4880535
    Abstract: A water supply station is provided with series connected reservoirs for receiving and storing potable water or the like under different temperature conditions. The station includes a first reservoir for receiving an incoming water flow, and a second reservoir coupled to the first reservoir via an overflow conduit. When the first reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition, additional water flow spills through the overflow conduit for passage into the second reservoir. The water within the two reservoirs is maintained under different conditions, such as at selected cold and hot temperatures, respectively, ready for immediate dispensing through appropriate dispensing valves. The water supply station is particularly adapted for use as a countertop unit wherein the reservoirs respectively store water for immediate dispensing and use, for example, in cold or hot beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 4880533
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and system for treating waste water. More specifically, for the removal of a floating component of the waste water from the remaining water relatively free of the floating component. The apparatus includes a separating chamber having a movable flow gate disposed at one side thereof. A preferred embodiment of the present apparatus includes a skimmer that is movable in both horizontal and vertical directions for facilitating the removal of the floating component of the waste water from the separating chamber. The present system includes an apparatus for treating waste water and sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: John Hondulas
  • Patent number: 4877519
    Abstract: A waste water treatment system for high temperature hydrolysis of cyanides has a reactor operating at a sufficiently high temperature and pressure to effect hydrolysis of cyanide in the waste waters. A heat exchanger system is provided through which reactor effluent and reactor influent streams flow. The improved waste water treatment system includes a first tube in tube heat exchanger for an influent stream and a second tube in tube heat exchanger for an effluent stream. A heat exchange medium is circulated between the effluent heat exchanger and the influent heat exchanger to cool down the effluent and in turn use the heat to heat up the influent to the reactor. The heat exchangers are arranged such that the influent and effluent streams pass through the tube side of each heat exchanger to minimize clogging of the first and second heat exchangers, while at the same time providing for effective heat exchange in cooling the effluent and heating up the waste waters to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Cyanide Destruct Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Herbert L. Robey
  • Patent number: 4872978
    Abstract: An apparatus for cryoprecipitation of blood plasma, where the blood from a patient is fed to a plasma separator (1) in order to obtain blood plasma which is then cooled to about +4 degrees centigrade. The blood plasma from the plasma separator is next fed into a container (5). As the contents of the container are kept at a sufficiently low temperature, cryoprecipitation occurs in the container. The blood plasma from the container is then circulated preferably in a loop past a plasma filter (60), where a cooling unit (9) is placed on a branch of the loop (7,8). The filtrate from the plasma filter (6) is finally returned to the patient after it has been warmed in a heating unit (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Fabio Fasting Biotech A/S
    Inventors: Storker Jorstad, Leif Smedby
  • Patent number: 4868123
    Abstract: Apparatus for the intensive, controlled production of microorganisms by photosynthesis.This apparatus comprises at least one photobioreactor (6) to be placed on an expanse of water (8), which has first group of flexible tubes (38), which are transparent to light and in which circulates the culture medium and a second group of inflatable tubes (62), disposed and maintained beneath the first group by means of detachable Y-shaped interpolated members (70), which are regularly spaced. At least one two-column carbonator (12) connected to the photobioreactor intake (43) for charging the liquid medium with the CO.sub.2 necessary for photosynthesis is provided. Two degassing means (36) connected to the two ends of the photobioreactor are provided for eliminating the oxygen produced by the microorganisms from the liquid medium. There is at least one expansion tank (2) connected to the photobioreactor (6) for reducing possible volume variations in the photobioreactor (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Xavier Berson, Michel Bouyssou, Yves Castel, Daniel Chaumont, Claude Gudin
  • Patent number: 4861489
    Abstract: A water recirculating system is which (a) water is continuously re-circulated through the system for the prime purpose of causing evaporation from the circulating water: and (b) such water is caused during its flow through an open part of said system through which part atmospheric air may flow to impinge on one or more solid surfaces whereby to increase the free water surface area available for evaporation and at a speed sufficient to release small water droplets from the water flow into the surrounding atmosphere. The system includes in serial relation with the water flow path a decontamination means (64) which comprises a chamber through which the circulating water may flow and in which there is provided an ion releasing means (80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Safety First Limited
    Inventors: Thomas R. Swift, Dennis H. Desty
  • Patent number: 4859323
    Abstract: Heavy oil production results in oily sand waste products, the disposal of which presents a problem. Since the oily sand causes rapid wear on heavy oil treatment equipment, it is important to deal with the problem early in the treatment process. For this reason recovery of the bulk of the sand is effected at the so-called free water knockout, which is a tank operating at atmospheric pressure for removing free water and sand from the heavy oil. Sand drops to the bottom of the tank. Oil separates from the water, rises to the top of the tank and overflows to the next piece of treatment equipment. Water is siphoned from the bottom of the tank and fed to a water disposal plant. The apparatus described herein includes a pump for feeding a sand slurry from the bottom of the tank to hydrocyclones, dewatering screens to which fresh water is added to clean the sand and remove additional moisture therefrom, and a hopper for receiving the clean sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Theodore Rolfvondenbaumen
  • Patent number: 4853119
    Abstract: A microwave-based emulsion treating system comprising a microwave energy source and a microwave applicator for treating an oil-water emulsion is disclosed. The applicator includes an internal coalescer medium for enhancing the effects of the microwave energy in separating the emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas O. Wolf, Roger L. Hudgins, David S. Seidner
  • Patent number: 4846967
    Abstract: Contaminated oil is reclaimed for uel use by pumping same through an oil filter into one side of a divided tank then through a heater to burn off water and antifreeze and then into the other side of the divided tank where the oil is blended with other clean oil, such as diesel fuel, which is then pumped through a water separator and another oil filter into a fuel supply tank from which it is pumped and used for blending. The divided tank is mounted on wheels and carries the various components such as pumps, heater, valves, piping, filter and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Keller Machine Works
    Inventor: Ronald R. McGehee
  • Patent number: 4846934
    Abstract: The invention is a system for removing volatile hydrocarbon contaminates from both water and moisture-ladened air. In detail the invention comprises a steam stripping system for mixing the contaminated water with steam, at below atmospheric pressure, providing clean water for reuse and contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates. A first condenser receives the contaminated steam and vaporized hydrocarbon contaminates and condenses, at below atmospheric pressure, a portion of the vaporized contaminates and a portion of the contaminated steam into contaminate water. A second condenser thereafter further condenses the steam and hydrocarbon vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Terrance K. Carberry
  • Patent number: 4834875
    Abstract: A two stage liquid filtration apparatus including a first pre-filter stage for removing heavy small particulate contaminants from the liquid with a first housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a screening means dividing a central chamber therethrough to allow contaminants like sand to fall downwardly therefrom for pre-filtration thereof. The liquid is then carried to a second stage filter which is a rotary filtration means for further removing contaminants through a rotatable cylinder with internal baffles for discharging the waste at one end of the cylinder and discharging the filtered water downwardly about the periphery of the cylinder. The cylinder is formed of a filtration media. A liquid reservoir is positioned below the cylindrical filter which includes a tank means for receiving filtered liquid and a heating means for controlling the temperature thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Henry Y. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 4828709
    Abstract: A recirculating shower is especially adapted for showering a person's body with a relatively small supply of water. Before it is directed into the shower stall, the water is first recirculated through an alternate series loop pathway and concurrently cleaned and filtered as well as being heated to a desired temperature level. During the showering of the person's body the water continues to be recirculated, cleaned, filtered, and heated. When the showering is completed, the water is again directed through the alternate pathway for further cleaning and filtering, in preparation for a subsequent re-usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventors: Jack L. Houser, John Pawlak
  • Patent number: 4826590
    Abstract: A cooking oil filter system comprises a pre-filter for removing relatively large particles from cooking oil and a second filter assembly connected to the pre-filter outlet for removing smaller size particles. A first, inlet manifold connects the drain outlets of a series of cooking vats to the pre-filter inlet, while a second, outlet or return manifold connects the outlet of the second filter assembly to an inlet on each of the cooking vats. Valves are provided in the inlet manifold path between each vat outlet and the pre-filter, and in the outlet manifold path between the second filter assembly and each of the vat inlets. A suitable control assembly controls opening and closing of the valves to control connection of each cooking vat into the oil re-circulating and filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Filter Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Turman
  • Patent number: 4824561
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus for treating wastewater containing bentazon by decomposing the bentazon therein and thus eliminating or substantially reducing the bentazon content. This apparatus includes means for adjusting the pH of the wastewater to a value of less than 7 and heating it to a temperature of at least about 60.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Mao-Yao Huang, Joseph F. Louvar
  • Patent number: 4812232
    Abstract: In a method for decreasing the alcohol content of alcohol-containing beverages, particularly wine or sparkling wine, according to the reverse osmosis process, extract substances are added to the dealcoholized beverage. In order to avoid addition of foreign water to the beverage, the alcohol-containing permeate obtained by reverse osmosis from the beverage subjected to dealcoholization is distilled in a vacuum. The permeate water produced therefrom is re-fed to the beverage subjected to the dealcoholization. The amount of permeate distillate removed from the beverage subjected to dealcoholization by the reverse osmosis and subsequent vacuum distillation, which essentially consists of alcohol, is fed to the beverage subjected to the dealcoholization in the form of water, which has also been obtained by vacuum distillation from an additional beverage. In this manner, particularly high quality sparkling wine may be produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Manfred Weiss
  • Patent number: 4812233
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid substances from liquid mixtures of substances, wherein the liquid substances contained in the mixture are separated from the solid substances by countercurrent extraction with a solvent which, during the extraction process, is in a liquid or supercritical state and which, under standard conditions, is gaseous. The solvent is fed to a cylindrical extraction chamber at the lowest point of the extraction chamber. The solvent leaves the nozzles with a Reynold's number of 40,000 and flows upward in the extraction chamber with a Reynold's number of 2,700 to 8,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Hubert Coenen, Rainer Hagen, Klaus Reimann
  • Patent number: 4810375
    Abstract: A microwave-based emulsion treating system comprising a microwave energy source, a microwave applicator for treating an oil-water emulsion, a wave guide between the microwave energy source and the microwave applicator, a circulator in the wave guide, a separator vessel for receiving and separating microwave-treated emulsion, and means for removing an oily water phase from the separator, circulating it to a water load chamber on the circulator, and returning it from the water load chamber to the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Hudgins, Nicholas O. Wolf
  • Patent number: 4787970
    Abstract: A process of the type employing freezing and thawing of metal hydroxide sludge to effect phase separation by gravity settling of solids to permit removal of the purified water, and a preferred system for carrying out the process. Commercially available refrigeration equipment, suitably modified and adjusted to operate in the freezing of sludge in sheets and breaking the sheets into relatively small pieces, is utilized in order to minimize the costs of hardware end controls. The frozen sludge particles are deposited in a melt tank containing a quantity of sludge which has previously been frozen and thawed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Specialized Process Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell L. Sutphen
  • Patent number: 4786407
    Abstract: A plant for treatment of sediment of natural and waste waters comprises a crystallizer (1), a melter (2), a condensing heat exchanger (4), a compression refrigerating unit (3) communicating with the crystallizer (1) and the melter (2) which is in communication with the sediment dehydration apparatus (5). The evaporator (8) of a crystallizer (1) has two cylinders (9). The plant comprises a refrigerant feed unit (13) and a refrigerant discharge unit (15), a planetary gear drive, a sediment application unit (17) and a sediment removal unit (19). The crystallizer (1) has a recirculation station (6). The sediment application unit (17) is made in the form of pour-on nozzles (18). Installed between the cylinders (9), at an angle to their walls with a clearance (.delta..sub.1, .delta..sub.2) are screens (12). The sediment removal unit (19) has at least two cutting tools (20) with flexible pick-ups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventors: Vladlen M. Ljubarsky, Anatoly I. Fedorov, Nikolai V. Fomin, Vladimir F. Didenko, Boris M. Menin, Gennady I. Kravtsov, Fedor E. Dovzhko, Vladimir V. Petukhov, Vera M. Smirnova
  • Patent number: 4784766
    Abstract: Pressure crystallization equipment which effects segregation by the use of pressure as a variable, particularly characterized in that after crystallization has occurred, the separation of a solid from the mother liquid is safely effected irrespective of the high pressure by providing a filter structure made of a cylindrical metal mesh layer structure and a cylindrical reinforcing member backing it up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Masato Moritoki, Kazuo Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 4781826
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for chemically decontaminating PCB-contaminated dielectric fluids utilizes three reactors through which the contaminated fluid is processed on a repetitive, sequential batch basis automated by a programmable controller. The processing of each reactor batch includes a charging cycle during which a reactor is filled with contaminated fluid, a reaction cycle during which the PCBs are destroyed by reaction with reagents introduced into a reactor, and a discharging cycle during which the reactor is emptied of decontaminated fluid and reaction by-products into a decanting tank for ultimate separation. The controller coordinates the sequential batch processing through the three reactors in 120.degree. time phased relation such that a charging cycle of one reactor batch, a reaction cycle of a second reactor batch and a discharging cycle of the third reactor batch are all coincident in time during normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ashok K. Mendiratta, Wayne F. Morgan, Craig W. Horneck, Nie-Jiann Wen
  • Patent number: 4775484
    Abstract: A continuous and valveless sorber device is described which utilizes a novel rotating sorption bed which operates through at least three zones (sorption, desorption and cooling). The rotating sorption bed is contained within a plurality of manifolds and the sorption bed and the manifolds are sealed to one another via sealing means. Contaminated fluid is directed through the sorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the contaminants are removed by sorbents. The bulk of the fluid which is then cleaned is available for use. A portion of the clean fluid (regeneration fluid) is used to cool the sorbent in the cooling zone of the rotating sorption bed. The warmed regeneration fluid is then heated by a regeneration heater and is subsequently directed into the desorption zone of the rotating sorption bed where the hot clean regeneration fluid is used to desorb and carry away the contaminants from the sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Schmidt, Martin Sudar, Daniel C. Walter
  • Patent number: 4770770
    Abstract: A water supply system for use in connection with a variety of water using equipment such, for example, as commercial ice makers and commercial steam cooking equipment wherein the water supply system utilizes a reverse osmosis unit thereby providing water of low mineral content to be used as product water in the equipment and at the same time utilizing the waste water generated from use of the reverse osmosis unit to provide cooling or condensing water for the same units to which the low mineral water is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Everpure, Inc.
    Inventors: Perialwar Regunathan, Dale A. Squier, John W. Tadlock
  • Patent number: 4769151
    Abstract: Fluid flow apparatus comprising a housing defining a chamber and having an inlet and outlet for liquid flowing into and out of the chamber, an electrically-powered heater located in the chamber, a temperature sensor mounted to sense temperature of liquid prior to entering the chamber and providing inlet temperature signals indicating inlet temperature, and a controller electrically connected to receive the inlet temperature signals from the temperature sensor and to control a duty cycle of the heater in response to the inlet temperature signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Shouldice
  • Patent number: 4767528
    Abstract: A drinking water purifying apparatus for purifying water from a water service comprises an ozone generating means for producing ozonized gas, an ozone reaction means for reacting the ozonized gas from the ozone generating means with the water from a water service, and a treating means for treating the water obtained by reaction to the ozonized gas in the ozone reaction means, whereby drinking water being free from organic compounds and smelling substances and having good taste can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiko Sasaki, Keisuke Namba, Naotoshi Matsunaga, Masayuki Tanaka, Norimitsu Ezaki, Masaru Tanaka, Hisashi Tonegawa, Naomichi Mikajiri, Hideo Motooka, Toshikazu Honda
  • Patent number: 4767527
    Abstract: The invention provides a process and an apparatus for effecting that process in which waste water to be cleaned is finely divided into a current of entrainment gas and evaporated. The water vapor formed is superheated, so that the impurities occur as a solid residue and can be collected. The heat of the purified and compressed mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor is used to superheat the water vapor in the current of entrainment gas.An optimal separation between water and the substances contaminating it which cannot be evaporated is accomplished with a low expenditure of energy by introducing the water into a current of inert entrainment gas and by heating the mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor thereby formed, before the separation of the solid particles, in the heat exchange with the purified and compressed mixture of entrainment gas and water vapor by cooling it to below the saturation or dew point temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignees: Kernforschungsanlage Julich GmbH, Georg Kalawrytinos
    Inventors: Nicolaos Iniotakis, Werner Frohling, Georg Kalawrytinos, Claus-Benedict von der Decken
  • Patent number: 4764254
    Abstract: In a falling film exchanger, a screen arrangement for preventing solid particles in the liquid to be heated from plugging liquid distribution outlets of a perforated liquid distributing tray or reaching the heating surface of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Rosenblad Corporation
    Inventor: Axel E. Rosenblad
  • Patent number: 4756876
    Abstract: Modular ultrafiltration device for the cooling liquid of a nuclear reactor, comprising a radiation absorbing containment (1), an ultrafilter (15) arranged in the containment (1), a heat exchanger (32) placed in the containment (1), and connection pieces intended for the various parts of the ultrafilter (15) and heat exchanger (32) and passing through the wall of the containment (1) in a leak-proof manner. A heat-insulating material (41) fills the inner volume of the containment (1). The modular device can easily be connected to an auxiliary circuit of the nuclear reactor. The ultrafiltration wall can be replaced without any difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Framatome
    Inventors: Philippe Dagard, Jacques Riviere
  • Patent number: 4754779
    Abstract: A printing press liquid circulation system of the type wherein the liquid is circulated in a closed path to and from one or several fountain pans of the press by means of a pump. The system is characterized by the provision of an upright filter chamber, the lower section of which is connected to the suction side of the pump, said chamber being provided with a filter medium intermediate its ends, the return conduit of the fountain paths opening in the upper section of the filter chamber above said filter medium. A liquid make-up and proportional mixing system is provided to maintain at a predetermined level the liquid in the lower section of the filter chamber. Air cannot enter the liquid and, therefore, the formation of foam, either in the fountain path or in the pump and filter chamber lower section, is prevented. Preferably, the discharge of the pump is connected to a heat exchanger to maintain the liquid at the required temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Gabor Juhasz
  • Patent number: 4752389
    Abstract: A water purification system includes cooling apparatus for reducing the temperature of purified water produced by the system. The purification system includes, for example, a reverse osmosis unit for producing a supply of purified water by removal of impurities from standard tap water, wherein the purified water is stored within a reservoir tank ready for use. The cooling apparatus comprises a thermoelectric heat transfer module adapted to transfer thermal energy from a cold side to a hot side of the module. The module is mounted on the reservoir tank with its cold side in thermal communication with the stored purified water to extract heat energy therefrom. The hot side of the thermoelectric module is thermally communicated with a system water flow particularly such as a flow of waste water produced by the reverse osmosis unit, or the tap water flow, wherein this system flow provides a compact heat sink carrying heat energy away from the module to provide efficient cooling of the purified water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1988
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • Patent number: 4737280
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for the separation of solid polymer and liquid diluent comprising the use of a filter vessel from which a major portion of the diluent can be recovered directly as liquid for recycle to the polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Donald O. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4724080
    Abstract: A process for the crossflow-microfiltration of wine from a storage container through a membrane filter with membranes having a nominal pore diameter of 0.1-5 m, in which the mean velocity in the membrane filter is 0.5-6 m/second, wherein before entering the membrane filter the wine is warmed to a temperature which is above a temperature threshold that produces a definite increase in filter performance but at the most to 45.degree. C. Crossflow-microfiltration is carried out without addition of filtering aids and the filtrate obtained is cooled to storage temperature. An apparatus for carrying out the process comprises a storage container, a membrane filter with a nominal pore diameter of 0.1-5 m, a feed pump and piping, a heating device being attached upstream of the membrane filter and a cooling device and filtrate container being attached downstream therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: AKZO NV
    Inventors: Heribert Dau, Rolf Maurer, Franz-Josef Schmitz
  • Patent number: 4708645
    Abstract: Improvements to machines for heating articles or products by condensation of primary vapor on said products or articles, the primary vapor isolated from the atmosphere by a secondary vapor mass. According to the invention, a first improvement is aimed at lowering the chlorine and fluorine ion contents in the primary and secondary vapors of the plant resulting from the decomposition of said vapors. To this effect, the invention provides an improved washing of the secondary liquid. Furthermore, a dry gas sweeping between damp atmospheric air and the secondary vapor prevents the introduction of atmospheric moisture. Another improvement relates to the automatic compensation of variations in operating conditions by controlling the power balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: Piezo-Ceram Electronique
    Inventors: Richard Pescatore, Jean-Jack Boumendil
  • Patent number: 4690208
    Abstract: A heat exchanging system for exchanging heat with contaminated water includes a housing having a coaxial tube exchanger assembly with return passages in the housing ends for the outer tubes and return tube bends for the inner tubes. A filter at the inlet of the coaxial tube assembly is formed of a number of passages in parallel with right angle bends defined by parallel fins between a bottom plate and transparent top plate. For cleaning there is a pressure chamber, a fill valve and an air valve intermittently activated. There is also a drain valve and a vacuum release valve. Heat exchanger tube is manufactured by rotatably and axially feeding tubing through a repeating impacting pointed power hammer that forms sharp edge craters on the exterior of the tube and sharp peaks on the interior. An impact tool driven by a powered impact hammer strikes the tubing passing through a tube pathway defined by variable direction rollers. A power drive roller has its axis askew to the axis of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Brent D. Deck
  • Patent number: 4681660
    Abstract: A method and device for reclaiming fluid lubricants, such as oil, which removes both solid and liquid contaminants from the fluid through efficient, adjustable filters and vacuum distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Rick R. Budny
  • Patent number: 4680113
    Abstract: A device for recovering cleaning particles from a liquid stream after it has traversed a heat exchanger, comprises a pivotable inclined sieve and a baffle plate upstream of an outlet and the lower edge of the sieve for generating between the plate and the sieve a vortical flow which induces the particles to flow downwardly along the sieve to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Taprogge Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Klaus Eimer, Wolfgang Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 4668391
    Abstract: An apparatus for dehydrating protein containing aqueous slude, e.g., sludge produced in slaughter houses, which comprises an agglomerator positioned above a filter device, the agglomerator having a bottom wall, a cylindrical outer wall, a cylindrical inner wall, the inner wall and the outer wall providing an annular space therebetween, a sludge inlet duct and a steam inlet duct, the sludge inlet duct and the steam inlet duct communicating with said annular space substantially diametrically opposite each other. The steam is injected in such a way that shear forces will be created in the liquid sludge, thus resulting in an improved precipitation of the proteins of the sludge. The steam is preferably injected tangentially with respect to the outer wall of the agglomerator and the annular space is preferably provided with a helically-extending baffle, the steam inlet extending parallel to the surface of a baffle turn. This provides an excellent precipitation of proteins in a continuous process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Erroll P. K. Ottens
  • Patent number: 4664793
    Abstract: A pure water manufacturing apparatus for producing ultra pure water to be used in the electronic and medical industries. This apparatus comprises a pure water circulation system consisting of a pure water storage tank, a first heat exchanger arranged at the downstream side of the tank for thermally sterilizing pure water, a filter arranged at the downstream side of the first heat exchanger for removing dead bacteria, a pure water circulating means, and a second heat exchanger for cooling pure water disposed between the filter and a terminal device at which pure water is required. The ultrapure water is supplied to the terminal device from the downstream side of the filter through the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenji Murakami, Yositaka Konomatu, Kanro Sato